Dementia is not only a problem that affects the quality of life and independence of millions of older people worldwide, but it also significantly affects their emotional health. Despite the clinical nature, the memory loss caused by dementia can have profound consequences on individuals, as it often results in frustration, sadness, and anxiety. One should definitely acknowledge the high emotional cost this condition has for both the victim and the family.
As it starts to progress, the memory loss becomes worse, creating difficulties in recognizing the surrounding things, disorientation and confusion about where they are. Picture yourself making efforts to remember important life events or a person who you usually associate with your better days. It leads an individual to the point of being sad and lonely, not being able to face these close to them and regard his own life.
This drastic loss of communication sometimes takes away the emotional connection with other individuals close to the patient, such as family members. To see someone whom you love in those difficulties to recall essential events and the names of relatives is not the easy thing that can emotionally laden. It is able to weaken the ties and make you unwell with the bitter feelings of hopelessness and unhappiness. The selective loss of memories and references to past activities is a big emotional challenge for the affected person and their family members.
Moreover, alongside speech and cognitive dysfunctions characteristically associated with dementia, the level of distress can be heightened and shifts in behaviour could take place. For the families, this process can create a difficult and sometimes hopeless situation as they are arranging to provide the necessary support and the needed understanding to their relative.
The emotional burden of dementia cannot be undervalued. A deep sense of loss and detachment prevails among the affected person, which can even traumatize the family as a whole. The society as a whole should be led to caring for the people with dementia and the families that are affected by this emotionally challenging condition, while providing support that they may need. Although there are no cures for dementia right now; there are medications/therapies that can help slow down its advancement and also enhance the quality of life for the ones affected by the disease, which is a source of hope and relief in these emotional areas.